Garden competition to encourage the elderly to harness nature’s healing
Gearing up for Spring Day, the Care Buddies have organised a gardening competition for the residents of Rustig Old Age Home.
“We have had to adapt our way of connecting and engaging with the old folks by communicating via WhatsApp and including activities such as planting seeds,” said Issy de Lira, one of the Care Buddies.
De Lira said they have managed to encourage and organise the garden competition to occupy the residents’ time and to maintain their health and sanity.
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“The elderly citizens deserve our support, compassion and kindness, especially during the lockdown.
“Gardening is a fantastic activity for older adults. It is a fun and great way to spend the time pruning, getting some exercise, becoming aware of birdsong and being outside rather than on the couch.”
A local nursery, White River Garden Pavilion, also joined in. It provided 20% discount vouchers on purchases made by the seniors and approached its suppliers for suitable prizes.
Prizes of various sizes will include hampers containing fertilisers, herbicides and more, all useful in the garden.
In addition to that, there will also be gift vouchers for any future purchases. Plus, each participant will get a prize just for participating.
“There are 24 entrants, and everyone is eagerly looking forward to the judging taking place on Monday August 30. There is much gardening activity and gardens are being spruced up.
“It will be a busy job on Monday when judging of the gardens will be done by four judges, including landscape designer Hannes Scholtz.”
The official prize-giving will fittingly take place on September 1, Spring Day, in the form of a tea party hosted by the ladies of Care Buddies.
